Teaching Python

Episode 162: What Does “Teaching Python” Mean in 2026?

What does teaching Python look like in 2026, when AI can generate code in seconds? In this episode, Kelly and Julian discuss how Python education is expanding beyond syntax into AI, data, cybersecurity, cloud, debugging, code evaluation, and systems thinking. They explore why Python still matters, how AI is changing computer science education, and why understanding, testing, and reasoning about code may now matter more than simply writing it.

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Episode 161: Teaching Hard Things Simply

Kelly and Julian talk with IBM Distinguished Engineer Jeff Crume about teaching complex technical ideas in clear, visual ways. Jeff discusses his lightboard videos, the planning behind them, and how he adapts explanations for different audiences while keeping them brief and structured.The conversation also covers AI, the humanities, and education, with Jeff arguing that questions of meaning, purpose, truth, and context are important when using AI in learning. He also addresses cybersecurity and

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Episode 160: Data Science, Math and Python, Oh My!

In this episode, Kelly Schuster-Paredes talks with Mahmoud Harding about data science education and how he approaches teaching Python, R, and statistics. Mahmoud explains his role at Data Science for Everyone and discusses the ADAPT model, with a focus on project-based learning, student curiosity, and getting learners working with their own data early. The conversation compares R and Python as data science tools, with Mahmoud outlining how each language developed and how libraries like NumPy and

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Episode 159: Big Lessons from Small Models with Gwyneth Peña‑Siguenza

Small language models may be the best way to learn AI. Microsoft Cloud Advocate Gwyneth Peña-Sigüenza joins us to discuss Python, cloud computing, security, and why the limitations of smaller models can build stronger developers.

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Episode 158: Will Vincent on Django, AI Coding, and Why Fundamentals Still Matter

In this episode, Python Developer Advocate and author Will Vincent joins the show to talk about why Django's "batteries-included" approach and security-focused design still matter, especially as AI-generated code becomes more common. The conversation explores the challenges new developers face when learning to program, the growing disconnect between quickly building a prototype and creating software that can survive in production, and the realities behind so-called "vibe coding." Along the way,

Episode 157: Philip Guo: The Code Runs. But Do You Understand It?

Kelly is joined by Philip Guo, a professor of cognitive science at UC San Diego who works in computer science education and leads the Python Tutor project. They discuss his background, the tool’s long history, and how it is used to help students trace code step by step.

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Episode 156: When Code Leaves the Screen

In this episode of Teaching Python, Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Julian Sequeira talk with engineer and maker Todd Kurt about physical computing and what happens when code moves from the screen to hardware. The conversation focuses on CircuitPython and MicroPython, including how they differ in design, teaching focus, and tradeoffs. Todd describes his background in engineering, web development, and open source hardware, and the group discusses practical classroom challenges such as bootloaders, UF2

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Episode 155: Hello World is Dead

Is "Hello, World" still the right first step for new coders? Sean, Kelly, and Julian explore how AI tools, cultural shifts toward instant gratification, and the changing expectations of students have transformed what it means to have that first magical coding moment. Plus, a big announcement: Julian Sequeira officially joins Teaching Python as a co-host!

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Episode 154: Are You Techie Enough?

Sean, Kelly, and guest Amelia Hough-Ross explore what it really means to be "techie" — and why limiting labels can hold people back. From Amelia's journey through animatronics, national labs, and nonprofit data leadership to Kelly's evolution from teacher to AI trainer, the conversation unpacks how curiosity, persistence, and productive struggle matter more than any credential. The trio discusses imposter syndrome, the value of being a generalist in a specialist world, and why being a cheerleade

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Episode 153: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Sean, Kelly, and special guest Julian Sequeira from PyBites share their favorite gift ideas for coders, makers, educators, and curious kids. From hoverboards and 3D printers to coding platforms and chess-teaching apps, this episode covers gifts at every price point. The trio discusses hands-on tools like LED pucks and calipers for makers, educational picks like the Secret Coders book series and Dr. Fei-Fei Li's memoir "The Worlds I See," plus tech toys including the Spydroid Loco Hex robot and H

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Episode 152: High School CS with Quincy Tennyson

Join Sean and Kelly as they interview Quincy Tennyson, a high school computer science teacher from Fern Creek High School in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Quincy shares his journey from Marine Corps IT specialist to network engineer to passionate CS educator, and discusses his innovative curriculum that emphasizes computational thinking, mindset change, and real-world project-based learning. The conversation explores how to effectively teach Python at the high school level, the importance of setti

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Episode 151: AI in Practice: Learning from Law & Beyond with Pritesh Patel

Pritesh Patel shares his journey from AI research at Georgia Tech to transforming workflows in law firms and beyond, discussing how education principles, playful learning, and focusing on outcomes over process can help anyone adopt AI effectively in their work.

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Episode 150: LLMs with Simon WIllison

Kelly and Sean chat with Simon Willison about the promises and perils of using large language models in Python education. They explore how LLMs can accelerate learning while discussing security concerns like prompt injection, the importance of building foundational skills before introducing AI tools, and strategies for maintaining student engagement in an AI-powered world.

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Episode 149: Guiding Education with Sheena O'Connell

Join Sean and Kelly as they chat with Sheena O'Connell about her incredible work in education, from teaching coding bootcamps in South Africa to running teamwork courses for professionals. They dive deep into soft skills training, psychological safety in teams, and how cultural concepts like Ubuntu influence collaborative learning and development.

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Episode 148: PyCon 2025 AI Education Open Space

Educators, developers, and content creators gather at PyCon US 2025 to candidly discuss the evolving role of AI in education. Through a series of open mic reflections, participants share personal experiences, challenges, and philosophies about integrating AI into teaching, learning, and coding. The conversation explores the benefits, pitfalls, and future directions of AI-assisted education, highlighting both practical classroom strategies and broader ethical considerations.

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Episode 147: The Power of Teaching APIs

Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes take a deep dive into teaching APIs, sharing practical lessons, amusing anecdotes, and insights into integrating APIs into a comprehensive coding curriculum.

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Episode 146: PSF Education Outreach Workgroup and the Education Summit

In this episode, Sean and Kelly are joined by Keith and Chuck from the Python Education and Outreach Workgroup to discuss their efforts in promoting Python education. They talk about the group's goals, such as seeking feedback on Python education resources and organizing the Education Summit at PyCon US. The hosts share their 'wins of the week' and discuss the importance of community and support in education.

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Episode 145: The Bigger Picture of Teaching Python

In episode 145 of Teaching Python, Sean and Kelly discuss their six-year journey, the shift in computer science education, and the impact of AI on coding. Key topics include their new experiences with Blue Sky, the evolution of job roles in the tech industry, the enduring importance of fundamental coding skills, and their ongoing commitment to CS education. The episode also highlights upcoming events, collaborations, and celebrates their wins over the past years.

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Episode 144: Python in Africa with Kudzayi Bamhare

In episode 144 of Teaching Python, Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes are joined by special guest Kudzayi Bamhare from Zimbabwe. They discuss the role of Python education in driving innovation in Africa, the challenges of expanding coding communities, and the importance of creating inclusive, supportive environments to foster learning and growth in the tech industry.

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Episode 143: Computational Thinking 2.0 with Dr. John Chapin

In Episode 143 of Teaching Python, Sean and Kelly sit down with Dr. John Chapin, a renowned computer science teacher and presenter at CSTA, to explore the transformative power of Computational Thinking 2.0 in CS education. They discuss its practical applications, the importance of Python and data science in modern curricula, and the future of teaching coding and machine learning.

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